From Setbacks to Success: Pujya Priyadarshini’s Relentless Pursuit of the Indian Foreign Service

Pujya Priyadarshini’s journey to securing an All India Rank (AIR) 11 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination of 2018 is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of self-belief. Hailing from Delhi, Pujya was academically inclined from an early age, completing her B.Com degree before moving on to a Master’s in Public Administration at Columbia University, New York. Despite promising career prospects in the United States, she felt a deep connection to the idea of serving her country, which drew her back to India and the challenging world of the UPSC.

Her decision to pursue civil services came with its own set of challenges. In 2013, Pujya made her first attempt at the UPSC examination. Like many aspirants, she was full of hope and ambition, but the journey proved to be more arduous than she had imagined. After failing her first attempt, she was disheartened yet chose to push forward. Her second attempt in 2014 and third in 2015 also ended in disappointment, as she could not make it past the interview round. These failures took a toll on her morale, leading her to take a three-year break from the exam.

During this hiatus, Pujya grappled with deep introspection, questioning her ability to achieve this seemingly elusive goal. She considered moving on from the idea of joining the civil services altogether. However, the support of her family played a crucial role in reigniting her aspirations. Her loved ones reminded her of the significance of perseverance and the potential impact she could make as a civil servant. This encouragement helped her overcome the emotional toll of her earlier setbacks and prepared her to face the exam once again

When Pujya returned to her UPSC preparation in 2018, it was with a renewed sense of purpose. She shifted her focus towards a more strategic approach, emphasizing not just content mastery but also the importance of mental fortitude. Her preparation became a blend of rigorous study routines, regular self-evaluation through mock tests, and a disciplined lifestyle that left little room for distractions. This time, she opted for a more focused study plan that included intensive answer-writing practice and a strong emphasis on time management.

The 2018 attempt proved to be a turning point. Her efforts culminated in a top-ranking performance, earning her an All India Rank of 11 and a place in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). For Pujya, this moment was about more than just success; it was a validation of the resilience she had built over years of struggle. She often recounts how each failed attempt taught her valuable lessons—about staying calm under pressure, the importance of self-reflection, and the need for unwavering determination

Looking back, Pujya sees her journey as a narrative of growth rather than just a struggle. She believes that the failures she endured were essential in shaping her perspective and making her a more grounded individual. Her advice to future aspirants is simple but profound: never let failures define you, and always keep the bigger picture in mind. She emphasizes that while the path to success is rarely straightforward, it is the ability to rise after every fall that truly makes the difference.

Pujya’s story resonates with many who have faced similar struggles on their path to the UPSC. Her journey from repeated disappointments to a stellar result is a reminder that success is often a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a tale of fighting through self-doubt and finding the strength to pursue one’s dreams, even when the odds seem overwhelming. Today, as an IFS officer, she serves as an inspiration, not only for her rank but for the spirit of determination that defined her journey